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Topic: Hostess gift overkill? (Read 4540 times)

My boyfriends family invited me to their cottage last month. This was the first time I had met any of them. I brought a hostess gift for them that was well received (I think they were rather shocked to receive it to be honest).

I am again invited to their cottage this weekend, I would like to bring them something (I really like gifting and truly do enjoy their company and hospitality) but I'm concerned they may take it as overkill or weird? Like, why does this girl keep on bringing us stuff when no one else does..?

BG- Last time I gave them a box of high end chocolates and a "Grow your own Chives" kit (along the lines of this : http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31bh97WmxEL.jpg but in a bamboo pot). This time I was thinking possibly a baked good (I make amazing shortbread I'm told) wrapped up in a pretty way. Possibly something else?

So question - What would you think of this? Overkill?

For the Mom's - how would you react to this? My boyfriend and I are very serious, I love him and his family to bits and really want to make sure I have a good relationship with them.

I think a food gift to share is perfect. More of a providing a share of the food for the weekend vibe than a hostess gift vibe. I wouldn't worry about wrapping it up in a pretty way - sort of down play the gift thing.

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After cleaning out my Dad's house, I have this advice: If you haven't used it in a year, throw it out!!!!.

I think a food gift to share is perfect. More of a providing a share of the food for the weekend vibe than a hostess gift vibe. I wouldn't worry about wrapping it up in a pretty way - sort of down play the gift thing.

I agree. Just the shortbread (or whatever food to share type item) would be perfect. Speaking as mom and a hostess, I'd much prefer to receive consumable gifts anyway so that we can all share it, and that it's gone (no more clutter) by the end of the weekend.

I like the idea of taking food. But I don't think you should get too fancy wrapping it up. I think you should take it on a disposable plate, with some plastic wrap over it, as if you were going to a picnic. That makes it look more "share-able" I think. Like you are contributing to the weekend, and not bringing a "gift." Making it look like a gift is a bit too formal, IMO. You've already done that -- now just be a participant.

As someone who has great difficulty going to other people's homes without a gift- usually food- I am all for the shortbread. And yes, I would bring it on a disposable plate- maybe wrap it in colorful cellophane?

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If wisdom’s ways you wisely seek,Five things observe with care,To whom you speak,Of whom you speak,And how, and when, and where.Caroline Lake Ingalls

As the mother of a young son, (who just started dating his first little girlfriend!), I would find your gifts to be utterly charming, particularly the baked goods. Giving hostess gifts is a sign of good raising, and I agree that you are probably rapidly becoming their favorite!

I'm all in favor of hostess gifts. If you think it'll be overkill to wrap it up pretty, then don't. I've been known to bring cookies in a ziploc bag for people before, and it really opens it up to sharing with everyone. Different vibe than a hostess gift, but generous nonetheless.